IB Students field projects, IBDP Trips, The Todas of Nilgiris

IBDP students from a leading international school visited 2 tribal hamlets in the upper Nilgiris (South India) region to study the culture, religious practices, ceremonies and modern day challenges of The Toda tribe – classified as a Primitive Tribal Group (PTG). The group of about 30 students accompanied by school teachers had prepared questionnaires and were eager to learn about the past and present lifestyle of this tribe.

A Toda Elder sharing her wisdom

Outdoors questionnaire with Toda elders

A study group discussing the learning of the day

Some of the key learning of the days field study were

The religious practices of the Todas: past and present The temple in every hamlet and the role of priests. The Po temples of Todas The role of women in the community Birth, marriage and death ceremonies Traditional practice of Polyandry The traditional knowledge system of architecture and embroidery of the Todas The Ferral Buffaloes and their place in the Toda community The disappearing grasslands and impact on Toda lifestyle
The dependence on the Shola forests nearby Livelihood challenges for communities that reside in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats

The Toda Hamlets

And we had tons of Fun too!!

Some games and lunch served hot from the boot of a car

We take the opportunity to thank all the elders of the 2 villages who so willingly and patiently answered the numerous questions that our students had.

For Further information on our Educational Field Trips, please contactoneearthfdn@gmail.com+91-9008000338